Wanting to relax yesterday while preparing a late Easter Sunday dinner I had a complete panic.
Put on an album that previously sounded fine months ago but possibly looked more warped than I recall - had stupidly put some light cardboard packaging on top of one of the NAP 250s and a few albums on top of those.
Sounded horrendously distorted.
Was the Krystal ok? Looked from several angles and couldn’t actually see the stylus tip even with glasses on. Ran my finger underneath the cantilever gently and could feel something but was it right? A gentle fluidless brush and no sound improvement. Hmm, thought the Krystal was toast.
Then wondered about the phono pre-amp. A Linn Linto purchased on release years ago.
I posted this last year and oddly the issue settled but has now recurred after a long gap.
Dug out the ancient Project PhonoBox with MC/MM inputs and phew it sounded miles better on an old worn album I was happy to sacrifice in case it was the Krystal stylus broken (using same interconnect which was connected to the Linto so not the 282’s input).
From memory the Linto was around a grand on release. TBH I was never convinced by it compared to the MC boards in the NAC 72 back then, sounded good/marginally better but for me too detailed and erring on digital and thin.
So what to look for in 2026? I really have no idea.
I could potentially shift a Supercap DR from my SNAXO 242 to a Superline if I can find one.
Maybe the NVC TT would be great, but I’d need a PSU as well AFAICT.
Something from Rega or Chord?
Any thoughts?
Having hopefully just secured a NAIT 50 I’m seriously wondering about decreasing box count massively and just going back to simpler times
I keep forgetting about the current/older Linn solutions.
Maybe my Radikal could power something, never really looked into it.
Possibly the main reason for considering non Linn solutions is the Pink Triangle Anniversary which needs fixing (may be the PSU or the bearing) - it’s been sat sadly on top of a Kallax unit for several years gathering dust.
Uphorik has its own PSU but you can drive an Urika with the Radical. I drive my Urika 2 with my Radikal 2, that’s the way it works. Then it’s via Exakt link into the Selekt DSM.
An Uphorik might not be far from that in the used market.
I went from Uphorik to Rega Aura and now back to the Uphorik because I ultimately preferred it. I also like it more than the Urika or the Superline which I tried at the time (I’ve had an Urika before also).
I switched from the Stageline K/HiCap to this one and couldn’t be happier with the significant improvement in SQ. My streamer/pre-amp is the Linn Klimax Organik NG.
Second thumbs up for the Lejonklou, if you can find a used one. I have the MM version (Slipsik) but the MC version (Entity) has received rave reviews also.
A wee bit left field ,but how about the Cyrus Classic phono stage .I only say after hearing it’s latest iteration the Cyrus 40 ppa.I use a Uphorik but am tempted to try the Cyrus 40 .
Certainly seems a neat solution I’d never actually explored due to having a couple of other turntables.
Presumably the Urika was available standalone and not only available bundled with a Radikal PSU. Although it’s an original Radikal (non-machined) I’m obviously not using that investment to the fullest extent as it’s not powering a Urika.
Shame the original Urika is no longer available as without a full Linn system Urika II as far as I can tell would be of no use whatsoever running into Naim amplification! Seems a shame.
The issue might be sourcing one.
Also wondering if it might be worth asking Class A to take a look at the Linto again, though if I’m honest I was never entirely convinced by it and have been mulling a new phono stage for some time though other priorities have held me back.
Interesting - I may have seen an article about it not too long ago.
The big problem these days is being able to demo things like this as local dealers often have a limited range on offer or to home demo (which I’ve always appreciated).
I haven’t really established a budget yet either.
Really like the look of the Cyrus 40 PPA, but there are some keen prices on the Classic Phono stages currently, thanks for the suggestion.
It’s the Urika 1 which is what you want and it is available. Then connects via phonos into pre amp or integrated. Can also be configured phono to Din at amp end.
It’s what I have with Radikal 2. The Urika 1 is available used and can be fitted by a Linn dealer who will need the turntable and Radikal to dial it in.
Check out LP12 bits or eBay. Linn dealers normally have them used. It’s easy to pick up a used one and dealer will fit. Just have a chat with your dealer first if they are okay to fit it.
Cheers Dan, I’ve checked a few of the ‘regular’ reseller sites and can’t see the Urika1 - maybe they don’t show them and just offer as a configurable upgrade when other upgrades are done.
I’ve yet to check with my local Linn dealership. Have unplugged the Linto and will try it again in the next day or so - it’s obviously not right but strangely it did this a year ago and then settled down.
Not opened it yet but the new Nait 50 arrived today - just have no idea where I’m going to put it or what to connect to it, though old CD 3.5 and original EPOS ES 14 speakers seem a likely option.
There are two on ebay, and same two are at LP12 bits. Not sure where you are looking but they are easy to find. You can also buy them brand new from Linn dealers.
So Linn make two Urika’s:
Urika I which is analogue
Urika II is digital
Both are available easily new and used. So I hope this makes things clear. You can pick one up for around £1000 used if you shop around.
So you need Urika I for your set up. I’m glad you understand now. For me it’s a superb sounding phonostage and makes the most of the Radikal. Totally integrated into the LP12 plinth.
Will probably nip up to the local dealership tomorrow to see what they stock.
Thanks for the ‘vendor’ suggestions above - I’ve never used e-bay and am wary of doing so (historical) but had never heard of the other outfit. There are some keen prices on those Urikas. Wonder if I could install myself?
Tempted to investigate a couple of the other solutions too simply as I really want to resurrect the PT Anniversary, but maybe it should be one thing first!
